The Gradierwerk Bad Sassendorf, a monument and excursion destination, represents the centuries-long salt history of the region and its relevance for health promotion today. The extraction of salt, first documented in the 12th century, had a significant impact on the region and led to the therapeutic use of brine from the 19th century onwards.
Historically, thorn gradations have been used for salt production in Bad Sassendorf since 1800. A beam construction forms the basic framework into which bundles of blackthorn are integrated. Pumps are used to distribute the brine over these thorn walls, causing a significant increase in surface area as the water trickles down to evaporate. This process, intensified by heat, dry wind and solar radiation, once provided high-grade brine for further salt extraction.
The salt particles released into the air during this process, known as "gradation loss", create an open-air inhalation climate. This salty air can have a beneficial effect on the respiratory tract.
The 73-metre-long Gradierwerk in the spa gardens, designed in Westfalen style, has three accessible levels. A barrier-free elevator provides access to the viewing platform on the second floor, which offers a sweeping view over the spa gardens. Part of the facility is integrated into the adjoining Börde Therme spa, where it includes a graduation tower sauna, a relaxation room and a sun terrace for spa visitors. This integration is a unique selling point in Germany.